'LOTR Online' free-to-play dated

Warner Bros Interactive Entertainment has confirmed that MMO The Lord of the Rings Online will go free-to-play next month.

On September 10, LOTRO developer Turbine will launch a new pricing model for the game, which first went live as a subscription offering in 2007.

The new system will allow players to download and play the game for free, but they will have to pay for additional expansions, quest packs, items and account services.

Free-to-play gamers will be able to explore the open world of Middle-Earth and participate in LOTRO's story up to level 50 without charge.

They will then be invited to visit the LOTRO Store to purchase expansion packs, premium content, additional character slots, potions and character customisation items. The free-to-play launch follows a beta testing phase in June.

"Our LOTRO beta program has been a huge success and we want to thank all of our players who worked with us to get the game ready for launch," said Turbine's LOTRO executive producer Kate Paiz.

"Our unique pricing model has revolutionised the industry and starting in September, players will be able to choose how they pay for and play one of the world’s best online games and we can't wait to welcome millions of new players to Middle-Earth."

Tubine is also offering players the chance to become LOTRO VIPs to get unlimited access to all the premium content, as well as receive priority server access, five character slots and a monthly allocation of points to spend in the store.